Store concept responds to growing demand for additional intake points
Today, the first Deposit Return Shop opened in shopping center Keizerswaard in Rotterdam. The return shop is an initiative of Verpact, the organization responsible in the Netherlands for the collection and recycling of packaging waste, including the deposit system. In the return shop, visitors can quickly and easily hand in their empty deposit bottles and cans, including in a bulk machine. It is the first time such a store has opened in the Netherlands, where consumers can get their deposits back not only digitally, but also in cash. Later this month, a branch will also open at Vijzelgracht 51 in Amsterdam.
Main photo: Joyce Wittelaar, Manager Ronald McDonald House Sophia Rotterdam and Jeroen Hillen, Director of Deposit Money Netherlands open the Deposit Money Return Shop in shopping center Keizerswaard © Sandra Uittenbogaart
The Netherlands is well on its way to collecting deposit packaging: now 84% of cans and 77% of bottles are returned for recycling. This allows new bottles and cans to be made. Hester Klein Lankhorst, CEO of Verpact: "This fits in perfectly with Verpact's aim to recover as much packaging as possible as raw material. Whether through the deposit system or, for example, through the bottle bank or PMD bin or bag, we want to make it as easy as possible for consumers to properly return packaging waste. In doing so, we preserve valuable raw materials, reduce litter and microplastics and limit the impact of packaging on the environment."
The first bottles and cans are handed in to the bulk machine © Sandra Uittenbogaart
The Returnable Deposit Shop in shopping center Keizerswaard in Rotterdam has opened © Sandra Uittenbogaart
The Deposit Money Return Shop is responding to the growing demand for easily accessible and accessible return locations in Rotterdam. The store includes a bulk machine that processes up to 200 bottles and cans in one go. Visitors can also make use of separate return machines, waste separation, a washing facility and several payment options for their deposit return: cash, via Tikkie or donation to Ronald McDonald House Sophia Rotterdam.
Jeroen Hillen, director of Deposit Money Netherlands, the foundation that implements the deposit system on behalf of Verpact, is proud that the first Deposit Money Return Shop has opened: "All research shows that people mainly return their deposit packaging if it is easy, so we are working hard on that. More ease of return ensures that even more deposit packaging can be recycled. That is why we are not only seeking cooperation with locations where there is a lot of buying or consuming, but are now opening our own Return Shops. The first reactions from stakeholders and local residents are very positive and I hope many will find the store. Until there is a legal requirement for stores to take back packaging, we will continue to look for creative, accessible ways to return deposit packaging."
The Deposit Return Shop also offers the option of cash payment © Sandra Uittenbogaart
Cash payout
A striking and important element in the store concept is the possibility of having the deposit paid out in cash. Until recently, this was only possible in supermarkets. This option is especially convenient for, for example, children and people who do not have access to digital means of payment or the Tikkie app. The payout is done through a closed payment system provided by Brink's. Visitors scan their deposit receipt and receive the amount in cash, without the intervention of store personnel. Only Brink's has access to the money and the machine automatically records each payout. This makes the system secure, efficient and error-free.
"Even within the world of cash, innovation is possible - and necessary. With Paystation we show how you can use technology to keep cash accessible to everyone in a smart and accessible way. We are proud that together with Verpact we are contributing to an innovative store concept that enriches the deposit system and keeps the use of cash accessible and available," said Bas Rodenberg, Managing Director of Brink's Netherlands.
The Deposit Return Shop in Rotterdam is located at Keizerswaard 16 and is open every day from 08:00 to 20:00.
